An eco-friendly home is one that is kind both to the environment and to your wallet. Many “green” measures can save your family money over time by using resources more efficiently, making them cost-effective. If you’re not sure where to start, try these five steps for a more eco-friendly home.
1. Use LEDs
Switching to LED (light-emitting diode) lights is a simple and effective way to cut down your household’s energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that LEDs use a whopping 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, all while lasting 25 times longer.
2. Get Solar Panels
Residential solar panels are more affordable than a decade ago to install, and they are a sensible eco-friendly home upgrade. These panels take clean energy from the sun, rather than using natural gas or coal.
The process produces significantly less carbon emissions per unit of energy than fossil fuels, giving you less dependence on environmentally harmful energy sources and fewer greenhouse emissions.
3. Install a Tankless Water Heater
Modern tankless water heaters are eco-friendly and more efficient than the traditional tank variety. The reason why is that the unit only heats water as you use it, which results in less wasted water and energy.
When a reputable provider like the water heater company in Lake Balboa installs a tankless water heater in your home, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is becoming more efficient, not to mention the other benefits like the space a tankless heater saves you.
4. Use Natural Cleaning Products
The next time you shop for cleaning supplies, look for natural, green products. They are a better choice than conventional cleaners that contribute to indoor air pollution as you use them.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have been linked to a range of health problems, such as liver damage, and they can stay in the air for long after they’ve been used. Plus, many green products are made using safe, non-toxic ingredients that won’t harm the environment and are also made using sustainable manufacturing methods.
5. Start Composting
Even if you are a smart shopper, you’re always going to end up with food waste at some point, even if it’s just scraps like potato skins after a meal.
Rather than tossing these food bits into the trash, start a compost bin and store the scraps in it. Composting will prevent food decomposition over time that contributes to the release of methane, which pollutes the air.
Becoming a Role Model
When you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your house, you are showing others in your family, as well as friends and the rest of the community, that you care about the environment. They may see your actions as admirable and want to start doing them too.
Get your kids excited about making decisions around the house that are good for the environment. They might have learned about the topic in school and be able to suggest other ideas than the ones listed above that you hadn’t considered yet!
Starting today, you can make smarter choices for the environment and your family. These simple household actions can make a positive difference to the planet while often also saving you money.
Infographic Provided by Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation, Inc.
